Nestled between jagged cliffs and forested ridges, the camouflaged hangar doors slid open with a mechanical hiss, revealing the Milano resting silently within. Its sleek, aerodynamic frame gleamed under the soft, overhead lights—blue and orange panels reflecting off the polished floor like molten metal.
Inside the cockpit, Alexander flicked switches on the console. Panels lit up in sequence, casting a pale blue glow across his focused expression.
Alexander all-business mode said."All systems green. E.V.E., prepare for launch sequence."
E.V.E chirping, calm and clear."Engines online. Thrusters at 100%. Stealth protocols primed. Ready for departure, Boss."
Six, Griffin, Dante, Hilde, Malcolm, and Freya strapped in as the interior lights dimmed and the hum of energy built to a soft crescendo.
The Milano hovered, dust spiraling in a circular storm beneath it. Vertical lift thrusters glowed with bright cerulean light, casting eerie shadows as the craft rose with smooth, effortless grace.
The nose angled upward—and with a sudden whoosh, it burst into the sky, ripping through the clouds with supersonic acceleration, leaving a shimmering blue trail in its wake.
The Milano climbed higher, piercing through cloud banks, until it broke into the edge of space—stars glittering above, Earth sprawling out below.
Alexander glanced at the radar. No contacts. He spoke up."Engaging cloak."
He pressed a control on the dashboard. Instantly, the Milano's hull shimmered—refracting light before vanishing completely from sight.
In a flash of light and distortion, the Milano disappeared from view—leaving nothing behind but wind and silence as it rocketed toward Athens.
Freya checked the weapons and gear, handing out modified blasters and barrier gears.
Freya quietly, to Dante." We get in. We find Henri, Number Four, Sam, and his mother. Then we leave. No hero plays."
Dante gave a small nod."We are going after Henri and Four first, after that we go after Malcolm's wife."
Everyone nodded.
As Freya lifts her tactical watch—sleek, matte black with a glowing orange ring circling the face. The display is dark.
She taps a recessed button.
The ring ignites in a soft pulse of amber light.
WATCH MODE ACTIVATED flashes briefly, digits glowing in pale yellow: 03:47 AM – UNIT PRIMED
She rotates her wrist fluidly. CLICK. The watch emits a high-pitched chirp, then drops into Activation Mode.
A faint vortex ripple sweeps across Freya's body—starting from the wrist outward like shockwaves on water. Her silhouette distorts briefly, refracting the background behind her like glass bending reality.
As she shifts her weight, motion echoes shimmer behind her—a half-second delay of her own body, like energy out of sync with time.
Light bloom outlines her head and shoulders, feathered in a cool azure glow. The shield locks into place, fully formed—invisible, yet alive.
A soft, resonant hum, low and metallic, pulses around her like the air is thick with static.
Freya steadies her breath, eyes scanning.
Then—She lowers her arm.
The glow recedes inwards, collapsing back into the watch like a breathing exhale. The distortion fades. Silence returns.
Alexander, Six, Dante, Hilde, Conrad and Malcom follow and activated there shields.